Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A short time ago I spoke in this place about families living in Boorowa in my electorate who do not have access to long day care for their children in their community. Local families have to either travel up to 150 kilometres to access services in neighbouring towns, use non-registered providers, or impose on family to look after their children.

Today, I am absolutely delighted to announce $500,000 in funding from the government for stage 2 of the Boorowa Preschool expansion project under the Long Day Care Capital Funding Exceptional Circumstances Grant. This funding will expand Boorowa Preschool into a multipurpose educational and care centre. The expected 76 places in this new facility will provide almost four times the number of childcare places currently available.

Preschool committee president Sarah Rose said: 'The funding means so much to the people of Boorowa and surrounding districts. It's not only the longer hours that make it appealing and easier for parents to return to work. The new centre will be licensed for nought-to-five-year-olds, providing positions for babies and toddlers that the preschool has been unable to provide before.'

This is outstanding news for the community. Enhancing the childcare options available to local and prospective families is part of this government's plan to help families into the workforce. I am delighted that we are making this happen for families in Boorowa.